Skeleton rings for ornamental and display purposes



SKELETON RINGS FOR ORNAMENTAL AND DISPLAY PURPOSES E. BLOCH Aug. 28, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 6, 1959 INVENTOR fk/cw 6'4 OCH M/ W M ATTORNEY E. BLOCH Aug. 28, 1962 SKELETON RINGS FOR ORNAMENTAL AND DISPLAY PURPOSES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 6, 1959 INVENTOR fR/GH .3400! ATTORNEY 3,659,890 SKELETON RINGS FOR ORNAMENTAL AND DHSPLAY PURPGSES Erich Bloch, 556 W. 141st St., New York, N.Y. Filed Mar. 6, 1959, Ser. No. 797,608 6 Claims. (CI. 41-12) The present invention relates to a skeleton ring adapted to be adorned for decorative and display purposes.

Stores, hotel lobbies, business ofiices, lobbies of ofiice buildings, and similar structures during certain festive periods of the year, such as Christmas and Easter, are usually decorated with wreaths and garlands appropriately for the occasion.

One object of the present invention is to provide a skeleton ring, which is constructed and designed to permit it to be easily assembled around a building column or post and to be supported therefrom, or to be otherwise assembled in the absence of a column for use without a column, which can be easily disassembled, which lends itself admirably to being decoratively arrayed and dressed with branches, leaves, flowers, feathers, ribbons, and other decorative accessories to form a wreath or garland within which the framework of the ring is concealed, which although light in weight encompasses large spatial dimensions and presents a full-bodied appearance when adorned, which is designed to support candles, electric lights and other similar utilitarian and ornamental items and to carry conveniently the electric cords for such lights concealed within the ring when adorned, and which is comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

In accordance with certain features of the present invention, the skeleton ring is of sectionalized construction and specifically consists of two separate identical semicircular units adapted to be easily secured together to form the ring. Each of these units desirably comprises a series of rigid parallel semi-circular wires permanently secured together at intervals by a series of spaced transverse frames, two of these frames being located at the opposite ends of the ring unit. For attaching the two ring units together, one of the end frames in each ring unit is provided with a plurality of soft metal straps secured thereto and adapted to be wrapped by the fingers around the contiguous end frames of juxtaposed ring units. In this manner, the two ring units can be very quickly and easily connected together for easy assembly and can be just as easily disassembled. When assembled, the ring can be intertwined with leaves, branches, flowers, ribbons and the like to form a garland or wreath.

At spaced intervals along the ring is a wire bracket adapted to support the end of a cable by which the ring can be suspended horizontally or vertically from a column or wall.

As an additional feature, the ring is provided with a series of props spaced therealong and adapted to receive such ornamental utilitarian items as electric light candles or fixtures.

Various other objects, features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description and from inspection of the accompanying drawings, in which- FIG. 1 is a perspective of a ring constituting one embodiment of the present invention and shown partly adorned and in assembled form encircling a column or post in a building;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective of the ring shown in FIG. 1 but on a larger scale and shows the end sections of the two ring units separated and about to be secured together for assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the juncture between the ends of the two ring units in assembled condition;

3,5fi,8; Patented Aug. 28, 1962 FIG. 4 is a section of the juncture taken along the lines 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a face view of one of the transverse frames taken along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 7 and shown in conjunction with an electric candle supported thereon;

FIG. 6 is a section of the supported electric candle taken on lines 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the ring of FIG. 1 but shown on a larger scale;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of a ring constituting another embodiment of the present invention and shown in assembled form;

FIGS. 9, 1G and 11 are radial sections of the ring taken on lines 9-9, 1ll10 and 11-11 respectively of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 12 is a radial section of till another embodiment of the present invention taken at the juncture of the two juxtaposed ring units corresponding to FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, there is shown a skeleton ring 1% comprising two identical semi-circular units 11 adapted to be easily secured together or easily detached. Each of these ring units 11 comprises a plurality of parallel rigid metal wires 12, four being shown concentrically and circularly curved and quadrantly arranged equal distances apart to define a circular outline of square radial section. These circumferential wires 12 are rigidly secured together by means of transverse frames 13 equally spaced along the ring, unit 11, five of these frames being shown on each ring unit, two of these frames being located at the opposite ends respectively of the ring unit. The frame 13 is shaped to correspond to the rectangular space encompassed by the four wires 12 and is in the form of a rigid wire bent into square shape to define sides 14 and having its opposite ends welded together. The circumferential wires 12. extend across the corners of the frames 13 and are spotwelded thereto. The wires 12 and 13 arranged and weldably interconnected as described, form the ring unit 11, and although this unit is light in weight, it is large in diameter and in its transverse dimensions and at the same time is strong and sturdy. For example, an assembled ring, five feet in diameter and five inches square can be lifted conveniently with only two fingers.

For connecting the two semi-circular ring units 11 quickly together, one of the end frames 13 On each ring unit has spot-welded to each of the four sides 14 thereof the ends of straps 16 respectively, made of metal dutcfle enough to permit these straps to be easily bent with the bare fingers and having little or no elasticity for the reason to be made apparent. The straps 16 are shown in the form of thin fiat strips, which may have a multiplicity of small holes to render them more pliant.

To secure the two units 11 together to form the ring 19, the units are juxtaposed with the ends of the two units abutting, and the two end frames 13 of one unit contiguous with the two end frames respectively of the other unit. With the two ring units 11 juxtaposed as described, the sides 14 of the frame 13 at each end of a ring unit extend along and adjoin the sides 14 respectively of the contiguous frame 13 at the corresponding end of the other ring unit. Only one frame 13 of each pair of contiguous frames is provided with the straps 16 and these straps are wrapped with the bare fingers tightly around the adjoining sides 14 of these frames, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The straps 16 having little or no elasticity, the ring units 11 so strapped will be firmly locked together and will form a sturdy, strong integrated ring. The ring units 11 can be easily separated by merely unwinding the straps 16.

The ring 10 when assembled, is adapted to be suspended from a support. For that purpose, each of the ring units 11 has two holders 17, each in the form of an H, located between adjoining frames 13. Each holder 17 is made of two parallel rigid wires 19 extending across and spot-welded to the pair of adjoining circumferential wires 12 on the upper inner side of the ring unit 11 and a rigid cross-wire 20 extending between and spot-welded to the wires 19 to serve as an anchorage for one end of a flexible cable 21, shown in the form of a chain terminating at its other end in a hook or hanging loop. In assembled condition of the ring 10, the ring will have four holders 17 equally spaced and quadrantly arranged.

Each holder 17 is designed not only to receive the cable 21, but also to receive a wide ribbon 21 of satin or 7 other suitable material, in such a way, as to conceal the cable, in suspendedposition of the assembled ring 10 and to give the impression that the ring is being supported by the ribbons, when actually it is being supported solely by the cables. The ribbon 21' is desirably doubled around the cross-wire of each holder 17 to define two opposed folds, =flanking and completely covering the cable 21 from the cross-wire at one end of the cable to the other end of the cable, Where it is attached to a column orwall. The ribbon 21' may be as wide as the cross wire 20 or narrower, and the cable 21 may be adjusted along said cross-wire to center it in relation to the longitudinal sides of the ribbon in supported position of the assembled ring 10. The cable 21 is thereby concealed and the decorative appearance of the unit is enhanced.

As an additional feature of the invention, the ring 19 has a series of props 22 equally spaced for supporting such fixtures as electric light candles 23. These props 22 are secured to one of the circumferential wires 12, preferably the wire which is on top in horizontally supported position of the ring, and each prop comprises a fiat strip spot-welded intermediate its ends to the underside of the wire 12 and made of a metal ductile enough to permit it to be bent upwardly into the shape shown in FIG. 2. The flat strip when so bent defines diverging flaps 24 having sufficient resiliency, so that these flaps can be pressed together by mere finger pressure but will return to their diverging position by their inherent resiliency. Each of the electric light candles 23 comprises a slender tube 25, which is desirably made of white or colored paper or cardboard'to simulate a wax candle but which can be made of any other suitable material. This tube has an internal diameter large enough to permit the flaps 24 to enter freely therein when pressed together. The upper end of the tube 25 has afiixed thereto an electric light socket and screwed into this socket is an electric bulb 26. Extending through the bottom of the tube 25 is a covered wiring 27 connecting the lamp socket to a plug connection of the ordinary type for removable attachment to an outlet box and connecting a series of similar light candles or other lighting fixtures together, as for example, in parallel, all in the circuit of the same .plug connection. This electric cord 27 is laid within the framework of the ring 10 and is concealed by the rai-rnents of the ring, such as the leaves, branches, etc.

For installing the electric light candles 23 in position on the ring 10, the flaps 24 of the props 22 are pinched together and the tubes 25 of said candles are slipped over said flaps. Upon release of the flaps 24, these will spread divergently outwardly in the tubes and will bear resiliently against the walls thereof, thereby holding the candles firmly in position. Removal of the electric light candles 23 from the props 22 is effected simply by pulling out the candles from friction engagement with the flaps.

If it is desired to use the ring 10 without the candles '23 or similar fixtures, the props 22 may be easily bent into unobtrusive positions. For example, the props 22 may be straightened out and left in that position, or bent inwardly Within the framework of the ring 10, and in these positions, the dressings of the ring, such as the leaves, branches, flowers and the like, will cover and conceal the props.

It should be noted that the ring units 11 are exact duplicates and interchangeable, thereby facilitating assembly and reducing cost of production.

In use, for example around a column A of a store or building, as shown in FIG. 1, the two ring units; 11 are placed around the column end to end and are secured together through the straps 16 in the manner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to form the rigid, sturdy ring 10 encircling the column. The ring 10 so assembled can then be dressed up with fir, evergreen or holly branches B as shown partially in FIG. 1, if the festive occasion is Christmas, to produce a Christmas wreath or garland, or may be otherwise dressed and adorned, according to the occasion. The wires making up the framework of 7 the ring 10 are so arranged, that leaves, branches, flowers and the like can be easily intertwined with these wires and, if required, wired or tied thereto. The difierent Wires that make up the framework of the ring 16 are also so arranged as to lend themselves admirably to the suspension of ornaments therefrom, such as Christmas balls, ribbon-s, streamers and the like.

If the wreath is to carry the electric candles 23, the wiring 27 therefor is first laid within the framework of the ring 1% and the electric candles is impaled in position on their respective props, before the ring is dressed with leaves, branches and the like. The dressing in the ring 19 will conceal the wiring 27. I

The ring assembled and dressed as described can be suspended through the cables 21 from hooks on the column A. Where the column A, for example, is of rectangular construction as shown, the four cables 21 of each ring 10 will extend along the middle of the four sides of the column, thereby imparting to the whole set-up a symmetrical semblance, which enhances the ornamental appearance of this set-up. Even in the case of a round column, the cables 21 being spaced equally apart will impart with the column a semblance of symmetry or regularity which is attractive. These cables 21 can be covered or wrapped with ribbon or the like to conceal the cable and/ or render them decorative.

The ring 10 when fully dressed and adorned, will prescut the appearance of a rich solid wreath of large bulk.

The ring 10 can be disassembled and divested just as easily as it can be assembled and adorned and the bare ring units 11 can be put away conveniently for future use.

The ring 10, of course, is not limited in its use for encircling columns or posts. It can, for example, be employed vertically against a wall or on a platform, or in any position where a wreath or garland is desired. In that case, some or all of the cables 21 may be removed, since the ends of the cables are desirably provided with hooks or loops permitting the cable to be slipped off or on, or if not used, can be wound around some of the Wires forming the framework of the ring 10 where they cannot be seen in adorned condtion of the ring.

It should be noted that the ring 10 is constructed so that the center plane of the ring passes through the two diagonally opposed inside and outside circumferential wires 12, thereby imparting to the ring a generally square outline in cross-section, converging radially inwardly and radially outwardly. The cross-section of the ring will thereby have a somewhat diamond-shape cross-section enhancing the appearance of the ring when dressed.

FIGS. 8-11 show a modified form of construction, in

which the outline of the ring 1011 instead of being rectangular, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, is triangular. In this construction, each of the two identical semi-circular ring units 11a comprises a plurality of circumferential concentric wires 12a, five being shown, arranged to enclose an area corresponding to an isosceles triangle with the base on top, as shown, or on the bottom, if desired. These wires 12 are rigidly secured together by means of transverse frames 13a equally spaced along the ring unit 11a, five of these frames being shown on each ring unit, two of these frames being located at the opposite ends respectively of the ring unit. The frame 13a is shaped to correspond to the triangular space encompassed by the wires 12a and is in the form of a rigid wire bent into triangular shape to define the sides 14a and the base 15a and having its opposite ends welded together. The circumferential wires 12a extend across the frames 13a and are spot-welded thereto.

For connecting the two semi-circular ring units 11a quickly together, one of the end frames 13a on each ring unit has spot-welded to each of the sides 14a and base 15a thereof the ends of straps 16a respectively, constructed and made as described in connection with the straps 16 in the construction of FIGS. 1-8. These straps 16a function as described in connection with FIGS. 1-8 to securely lock the two juxtaposed ring units 11a together, as shown in FIG. 9.

The ring 100 when assembled is suspended by flexible cables 21a through holders 17a similar to the holder 17 in the construction of FIGS. 1-8, and a ribbon, not shown is folded around each cable to conceal decoratively the cable in suspended position of the assembled ring a, as in the construction of FIGS. 1-7. Each of these holders 17a is in the form of an H, is located between adjoining frames 13a and is made of two parallel or radial rigid wires 19a extending across and spot-welded to the top pair of circumferential wires 12a and a rigid cross- Wire 20a extending between and spot-welded to the wires 19a to serve as an anchorage for one end of the corresponding flexible cable 21a.

Extending radially across the two top circumferential wires 12a and spot-welded thereto are rigid wires 38. Spot-welded to each of these radial Wires is a prop 2241 similar to the props 22 in the construction of FIGS. 1-8. These props 22a serve to support the candle lights 23a in the manner described in connection with the construction of FIGS. 1-8.

The ring 10a except as otherwise noted, is constructed like the ring 10 of FIGS. 1-8 and can be assembled and can be employed in the manner described in connection with the ring 10 of FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 12 shows another modified form of ring construction, similar to that of FIGS. 8-11, except that the frames 13b instead of being in the form of an isosceles triangle are in the form of a right triangle with its hypothenuse side 31 on the inner peripheral side of the ring, as shown, although it could be on the outer peripheral side, if desired, and the circumferential wires 12b are correspondingly arranged and splot-welded to these frames. In all other respects, the ring of FIG. 12 is similar to that of FIGS. 8-11.

While the invention has been described with particular reference to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that it is not to be limited thereto but is to be construed broadly and restricted solely by the scope of the appended claims.

What is described is:

1. A display device comprising a plurality of similar separate arcuate units of equal radii adapted when assembled to be placed in juxtaposition end to end to conjointly form a ring, said ring lnits being of open framework construction made up essentially of interconnected Wire elements to permit the ring elements when assembled to be adorned and dressed with such decorative accessories as branches, leaves and flowers to form a wreath, each of said units comprising at least three arcuate concentric wire elements, two of which are in different planes, and frames at opposite ends of each of said units holding said arcuate wire elements in predetermined spaced relationship and including a series of wire elements extending between and transversely of the arcuate wire elements, the transversely extending wire elements of each end frame in assembled condition of the ring units adjoining and lying alongside of corresponding transversely extending wire sections of the contiguous end frame of the juxtaposed ring unit, and means for detachably securing the frames of juxtaposed ring units together.

2. A display device as described in claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises straps tying adjoining wire elements of contiguous end frames together.

3. A display device as described in claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises straps of ductile metal, each permanently secured to a transversely extending wire element of each end frame and adapted to be wrapped around the latter wire element and the adjoining transversely extending wire element of the contiguous end frame.

4. A display device as described in claim 1, wherein the arcuate wire elements of each ring unit are transversely spaced to encompass a radial area having at least three sides and wherein the transversely extending wire elements of each of said end frames are connected end to end into a closed loop encompassing an area corresponding to said radial area.

5. A display device as described in claim 1, comprising a prop on each of said ring units for impaling a tubular decorative member thereon, each of said props comprising a strip secured intermediate its ends to a corresponding one of said wire elements and being of material which can be bent around said wire element to define two flaps diverging from the latter wire element, said material having sufiicient resiliency to cause said flaps to frictionally engage the tubular member when impaled thereon.

6. A display device as described in claim 1, comprising flexible cables attached to said ring units for supporting the assembled ring.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,631,631 Gerlinger June 7, 1927 1,696,221 Tubbs Dec. 25, 1928 1,994,694 Dobron Mar. 19, 1935 2,119,237 Mendel May 31, 1938 FOREIGN PATENTS 496,512 Great Britain Dec. 1, 1938 522,594 Great Britain June 21, 1940 686,418 Great Britain Jan. 21, 1953 526,130 Germany June 2, 1931 

